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Our Log Home looked innocent
enough. But, things were hiding.
While Pacific Log Homes completed the
finishing of both the inside and outside of this
beautiful log home, chinking was done
by another contractor and one who either
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A. Did not
have enough experience to realize that a Backer
Rod would be required on this home. Or
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B. Was
just out for some quick money and took short cuts.
The end result of this contractor have
caused $3,800.00 of on going repairs which we have
had to complete over the last 4 years.
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an explanation of backer rod and why you may need it. Click.....
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We have a problem
here! Changes in weather conditions over the seasons
can cause existing chinking to loose adhesion; an open
door to serious problems.
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Look closely here. At the top
of this log, you see good chinking adhesion. However, on
the bottom you see dried pyramid shaped chinking which could not flex,
thus separating as the logs expanded and contracted. This was caused by
no backer rod
being used in the chinking process.
With chinking having failed,
Carpenter Ants made a "B - line" for this area on this Log Home. They
then expanded their nests to log end checks as seen below.
This Log Home chinking and Ant problem will
require detailed attention. Let's get in to
it by taking you to another section where we will show you
what steps are necessary to deal with insects in your Log
Home. Click...
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Log Home
Chinking.
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We have a lot to say
about Log Home chinking for it is perhaps the
most important aspect of Log Home construction, restoration
and maintenance.
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An
overview of Log Home Chinking.
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Chinking is actually the process of applying
caulk, sealant or chink to fill cracks or gaps
between logs. Originally, chink was comprised of hemp which
was soaked in tar, linseed oil or sap and was used for log
homes or boats. Clay, mud, straw or moss was also used to apply between
larger gaps in logs; mortar is
another and the list could go on.
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Synthetic elastic chinking, with small
partials added to it which affords you the mortar
(coarse ) look, is the choice commonly used today.
Chinking gives you beautiful visual and physical characteristics
between your logs but also, no matter what type of construction has
been used to set
your logs, prevents bats, birds, bugs,
weather and dust from
coming inside your log home.
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Another aspect for log home log walls is
thermal mass chinking. Thermal mass chinking, inside
and out will give you better R-value of insulation. Chinking
insulation" This means chinking over insulation that has
been between logs for forty years, with only varnish, helping, and
holding it in place. Thermal mass chinking and chinking insulation are
terms you should
remember.
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What today's chinking does is act as a
barrier which flexes through the seasons of hot and
cold days. It is important for you to understand that the
logs used to build your home move, expand and contract and
even with today's modern sealant, it can and will break
down.
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Improper application or poor adhesion
to finishes and even using a product which has to many particles
in it or applied too thin, may step up your need for inspection of this
vital log home facet.
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Chinkless
Log Homes.
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Above everything, we chink more chinkless Log
Homes. Log Homes that are NOT chinked are an open
invitation to log rot, insects, mildew and a list of other
unwanted items including heat loss.
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Have you purchased a Log Home Kit that claims to be chinkless?
Are those logs milled or lathe'd Swedish coped logs? There
is a good possibility that we have news
for you...!
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When
Your Logs Start To Cure.
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Watch
out!
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Weather
Proofing.
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What
Can Happen When Chinking Fails.
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It's NOT good...
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Old
Log Home Chinking.
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There is another facet to Log Home
chinking. It has to do with restoration chinking. Watch us
tackle a Log Home originally built in the 1800's and which
is going through complete restoration.
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